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Things to Know Before You Grow

The Natural World, Belonging and Community, STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore

4 Activities

Things to Know Before You Grow

Farm to Table Kids

3 - 8

4 Hours 55 Minutes

The Ultimate Garden Planning Toolkit for Curious Kids & Inspired Educators

Before you plant your first seed, there are a few essential things every gardener should know—and this module delivers them in the most hands-on, kid-friendly way possible. In “Things to Know Before You Grow,” students explore the fundamentals of garden success: how to read a plant hardiness zone map, understand frost dates, calculate seed starting schedules, and document their observations like real scientists. This four-lesson collection is packed with interactive worksheets, educator-friendly slides, and real-life garden planning tools that help youth think critically and connect deeply with the rhythms of nature.

Designed by Farmer Steph and the team at Farm to Table Kids, this module brings the garden to life in your classroom or afterschool program. It also features exclusive “how-to” videos from Farmer Steph, offering step-by-step support and encouragement straight from the garden. These videos give learners a direct connection to the seasonal cycles they’re studying—setting the stage for confident, climate-smart planting.

Once you've soaked up all the "Things to Know Before You Grow," don’t stop there! Continue the adventure with our partner collection: “How to Grow Dahlias”—a joyful, flower-filled deep dive into one of the most beloved and magical plants in the garden.

Discover Collection

Spring is in the air, and it’s the perfect time to dig into something new.

Every garden starts with a plan. In this hands-on module from Farm to Table Kids, young learners discover how to grow with confidence by exploring what thrives in their region, designing their own garden spaces, and connecting to the rhythms of nature. With guidance from Farmer Steph, curiosity takes root before the first seed is planted.

Whether you’re planting a school garden plot or filling a sunny window sill, these learning activities are easy to adapt for any space, size, or out-of-school time setting.

Grow Where You’re Planted: Understanding Plant Hardiness Zones

STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore, The Natural World

Grow Where You’re Planted: Understanding Plant Hardiness Zones

3 - 8

1 Hour 5 Minutes

Every region has its own unique climate, and not all plants can grow everywhere! In this activity, students will use the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone map to identify their zone and determine which plants thrive where they live. By exploring plant cards, categorizing crops, and creating personalized garden plans, students will understand why it’s essential to “grow where you’re planted.”

This activity is 1 of 4 in the "Things to Know Before You Grow" module from Farm to Table Kids. Visit the module to view the full set of learning resource and learn more about Part 2 of the module series, "How to Grow Dahlias."

Discover Activity

First Frost, Last Frost, No Frost: Understanding Nature’s Garden Clock

STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore, The Natural World

First Frost, Last Frost, No Frost: Understanding Nature’s Garden Clock

3 - 8

1 Hour 10 Minutes

In this activity, students explore how understanding frost dates and using a seed-starting calculator can help them plan a successful school garden. Working in small groups and using data-driven tools, students will create a collaborative class-wide garden collage that reflects their local growing season, planting schedule, and the specific needs of different crops.

This activity is 2 of 4 in the "Things to Know Before You Grow" module from Farm to Table Kids. Visit the module to view the full set of learning resource and learn more about Part 2 of the module series, "How to Grow Dahlias."

Discover Activity

Garden Eyes Open! How to Garden Journal Like a Pro

STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore, The Natural World

Garden Eyes Open! How to Garden Journal Like a Pro

3 - 8

1 Hour 15 Minutes

In this engaging and interactive lesson, students will practice mindful garden walks and document their observations in both personal and class-wide garden journals. They will learn to record their findings on plant growth, soil health, pollinators, weather, and more by using visual cues, sketches, and sensory reflections. The journal will serve as both a scientific tool and a narrative for the garden!

This activity is 3 of 4 in the "Things to Know Before You Grow" module from Farm to Table Kids. Visit the module to view the full set of learning resource and learn more about Part 2 of the module series, "How to Grow Dahlias."

Discover Activity

Design Your Garden, Define Your Season: How to Draw Your Garden Layout

STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore, The Natural World

Design Your Garden, Define Your Season: How to Draw Your Garden Layout

3 - 8

1 Hour 25 Minutes

In this foundational garden planning lesson, students will explore the art and science of designing a functional and beautiful garden layout. First, they will create a “Garden Vision Board Classroom Collage” to spark their imagination. Then, they will draw their own garden layouts based on real dimensions and plant spacing. Students will begin their growing season with creativity, purpose, and intention.

This activity is 4 of 4 in the "Things to Know Before You Grow" module from Farm to Table Kids. Visit the module to view the full set of learning resource and learn more about Part 2 of the module series, "How to Grow Dahlias."

Discover Activity

Grow Where You’re Planted: Understanding Plant Hardiness Zones

STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore, The Natural World

Grow Where You’re Planted: Understanding Plant Hardiness Zones

3 - 8

1 Hour 5 Minutes

Discover Activity

First Frost, Last Frost, No Frost: Understanding Nature’s Garden Clock

STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore, The Natural World

First Frost, Last Frost, No Frost: Understanding Nature’s Garden Clock

3 - 8

1 Hour 10 Minutes

Discover Activity

Garden Eyes Open! How to Garden Journal Like a Pro

STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore, The Natural World

Garden Eyes Open! How to Garden Journal Like a Pro

3 - 8

1 Hour 15 Minutes

Discover Activity

Design Your Garden, Define Your Season: How to Draw Your Garden Layout

STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore, The Natural World

Design Your Garden, Define Your Season: How to Draw Your Garden Layout

3 - 8

1 Hour 25 Minutes

Discover Activity

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